What we tested

  • Ease of use
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
  • Sound and/or picture quality
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
  • Signal range
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
  • Design
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
  • Durability
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
  • Worth the money
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Overall Rating
A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.

Pros

  • Digital DECT technology, 350m range, 120 channels, sound level light, display remote controlled nightlight, adjustable nightlight brightness, independent nightlight (for extended use after monitoring), low battery and out of range alarm, sound activation mode, belt clip, pager, rechargeable Parent Unit

Cons

  • No fancy features like some of its rivals

Tested with sons four-week-old Archie and 19-month-old Dylan.

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What we loved

The Tomy Digital TF500 baby monitor comes in two parts, a round unit that goes in baby's room which picks up the sounds and has an optional nightlight and the parent unit which can be plugged into mains or used portably with an included chargeable battery. The monitor is incredibly simple to use and does exactly what it says on the box.

The nightlight feature is great as it makes it easy for checking on the baby or nightfeeds without turning on a main light. It would also be great with a slightly older child who needs the comfort of a small light.

Unlike other monitors we have used, this one had a very quiet background noise, even with the volume turned on to full. The volume control was easy to use and with the sounds being accompanied by lights in means you can turn the volume right down for an older child and still be alerted when they are awake and making noise.

I found the monitor picked up noise well and I felt comfortable leaving my young son in another room with it turned on as I could hear everything. It is attractive looking, functional and at a reasonable price.

What to watch out for

As I said, the monitor does exactly what it says on the box. It has no fancy features, like reading the temperature or sensing movement but it does let you listen in on your baby.

MadeForMums verdict

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Easy to use, compact and portable this is a great basic monitor and nightlight. I would recommend to my friends and family.

Product Specifications

Product
BrandTomy
ModelTF500
Price£36.99
Signal typeDigital
Features
Video screenNo
Movement sensor padNo
Range indoors350m
Range outdoors350m
Number of channels120
Sound level indicator lightsYes
Two-way talkbackNo
Night lightYes
Room temperature displayNo
Soothing lullabiesNo
Power supplyBattery and mains
Power supplyBattery and mains
Features
  • Digital DECT technology
  • 350m range
  • 120 channels
  • Sound level light
  • Display remote controlled nightlight
  • Adjustable nightlight brightness
  • Independent nightlight (for extended use after monitoring)
  • Low battery and out of range alarm
  • Sound activation mode
  • Belt clip
  • Pager
  • Rechargeable Parent Unit
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